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Sep 30, 2010

They're arguably the two most hands-on moms in Hollywood, but Katie Holmes and Jennifer Garner looked thrilled to have some adult time. With their mini-me daughters at home, the beautiful brunettes bonded at Variety's Power of Women luncheon in Beverly Hills. With their supreme style and girl next door looks, Katie and Jen are the ultimate Hollywood A-Listers.

Sep 29, 2010

With her mental breakdown a distant memory, Britney Spears proved time again why she's the ultimate pop princess. Although she hasn't released a new album since 2008, Britney's music took center stage on last night's Britney/Brittany episode of Glee. While the singing and dancing was left to the cast, Britney made a few notable cameos and looked happier, healthier and more beautiful than ever. Her star power also led to last night's episode being the highest rated in the show's history.

While other queens of pop (Madonna, Lady Gaga) have appeared on the breakout show, it's Britney who deserves the crown. Television wasn't the only force she dominated last night - Britney also took over the internet. The stats:
- "Britney Spears Episode" was the number one trending topic on Twitter for over 12 hours
- Britney owned seven of the 10 trending topic slots on Twitter
- "Britney Glee Episode" was the most searched term on Google
- Five of last night's songs are in the top 12 chart on iTunes
- Britney generated over 200 million media impressions

Sep 28, 2010

James Van Der Beek has had lots to celebrate in his life. With a hit television show (Dawson's Creek) under his belt and a new (second) marriage to wife Kimberly going strong, the man we know and love as Dawson Leery became a daddy. Baby Olivia Van Der Beek was born on Saturday, September 25 weighing in at 7 lbs. 2 oz.

Using social networking rather than a publicist to announce the news, James tweeted, "Had the blessing of becoming a father over the weekend...Couldn't come close to describing this bliss even if I had 140 million characters." Also on his feed, "Olivia Van Der Beek, born 9/25. I apologize in advance for any obnoxiously precious new-dad tweets that might follow. I'm under her spell." Send a Twitpic of Olivia and we'll let it slide, James.

Sep 27, 2010

Following her much-hyped Sesame Street scandal, Katy Perry put her ample cleavage on display this weekend. With a guest spot on Saturday Night Live, Katy showed off her assets in an extremely revealing Elmo t-shirt. Who said poking fun isn't the best revenge?

There aren't many Hollywood powerhouses who choose to age gracefully. With facelifts, boob jobs and tummy tucks running rampant in the industry, it's a wonder anyone looks human anymore. Not to say that all plastic surgery is bad plastic surgery, but drastically altering one's face is a definite no-no.

When I think about aging beauties, the only person who comes to mind is Helen Mirren. The 65-year-old Oscar-winning actress always looks polished and effortless, whether she's wearing the queen's tiara, walking the red carpet or lounging in a bikini, Mirren always looks exquisite.

Talking to Woman and Home magazine, Mirren says "holding your tummy is another trick for making you feel good. I don't know why, but I do, by nature, hold my tummy in." Another body slimming trick: platform heels. "Four-inch platforms give you great height and make your legs look unbelievably long. I used to only be able to get them in stripper shops, but now you can buy them everywhere - although, unfortunately, that means everyone else has discovered the trick too."

RIM is upping the ante with its new creation, the BlackBerry PlayBook. The tablet will rival the uber-sucessful Apple iPad, reigniting the consumer war yet again. While BlackBerry was original marketed toward business professionals, Apple continues to target consumers and the creative class. I may be a BlackBerry girl at heart, but the iPad has my tablet vote for now.

Sep 26, 2010

High fashion just became more accessible thanks to the highly inviting Marc Jacobs e-commerce website. With avatars (Marc!) itching to jump off the computer screen and assist you with your every shopping need, it's nearly impossible to resist the store's charm. Designed to resemble Marc Jacobs retail stores, the online hub showcases the latest in couture. Each virtual floor houses a different Marc Jacobs line (Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs Ready to Wear, Little Marc) and the shopping posibilities are endless. The quilted Stam bag, the aviators and the Amy Strap watch are calling my name - present time?

Sep 25, 2010

It's a rare occurrence to find a pre-pubescent musician actually worth listening to. Willow Smith, the superstar daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, is defying the odds with her hit, Whip My Hair. Reminiscent of Rihanna, the 9-year-old powerhouse has definite staying power. Through in her edgy style and there's no stopping Willow. Don't you love it?

Sep 24, 2010

Back in the slammer following her much-publicized relapse, Lindsay Lohan has a new photo to frame. In her best mugshot yet, a natural looking Lindsay goes back to her red roots and has a certain look of despair in her eyes. Not to say that she wasn't upset during her first four arrests, but the previous mugshots display Lindsay as a coked-out, "I'm too good for this" kind of girl. Perhaps her month in jail (hearing set for October 22!) will teach Lindsay some self-control.

UPDATE: Lindsay is free after posting $300,000 bail. Which movie is she still getting royalties from?

Finally getting their share of screen time, Glee's Brittany and Santana are taking things to a whole other level. This week's Britney Spears-themed episode features the two Cheerios cheerleaders (Heather Morris and Naya Rivera) getting down in true Britney/Madonna style. Reenacting the infamous Me Against the Music video, the under the radar players shine. Are you ready for it Gleeks?

Sep 23, 2010

Who says organization and style don't go hand-in-hand? Moleskine, the notebook of choice for all savvy writers, got a fashion-forward makeover courtesy of my favorite designer, Marc Jacobs. The limited edition notebook celebrates Barneys Co-Op's 25th anniversary and will likely be sold out within days. The Marc Moleskine features a modern pattern specially styled by Marc, silkscreened on the cover and reproduced inside. The must-have item is available at all Barneys and Barney Co-Op stores, and through their website beginning October 1.

Channeling a risque Big Bird in her yellow corset, Katy Perry is causing an uproar over her Sesame Street appearance. The longstanding show begun introducing celebrity guest stars as a way to reintroduce the older crowd to their beloved childhood show and entertain parents tuning in with their kids. While Katy's guest spot was anticipated, parents are now in an uproar over her inappropriate outfit. With comments like, "my kid wants milk now" and "they're gonna have to rename it cleavage avenue" flooding the internet, it should come as no surprise that Sesame Street is pulling the clip.

In a statement released toady, Sesame Street producers say: "Sesame Street has a long history of working with celebrities across all genres, including athletes, actors, musicians and artists. Sesame Street has always been written on two levels, for the child and adult. We use parodies and celebrity segments to interest adults in the show because we know that a child learns best when co-viewing with a parent or care-giver. We also value our viewer's opinions and particularly those of parents. In light of the feedback we've received on the Katy Perry music video which was released on You Tube only, we have decided we will not air the segment on the television broadcast of Sesame Street, which is aimed at preschoolers. Katy Perry fans will still be able to view the video on You Tube."

While Katy's outfit is inappropriate, I smell a publicity stunt. Sesame Street never gets this much press from their celebrity guest stars, and who better to stir up some controversy than Katy Perry? She's known for her revealing outfits and Sesame Street executives must have known this when booking her. If they wanted her in something more modest, it should have been in her contract. What do you think?

Following her birthday/bachelorette party in Mexico, a blonde bronzed Nicole Richie stepped out in L.A. with her two main men. Holding a 1-year-old mohawked Sparrow Midnight James, Nicole and Joel Madden looked casually cool in their jeans. If only Harlow was there, the picture would be perfect.

The Richie-Maddens are in good company on my list of hot Hollywood families, which includes the Jolie-Pitts and the Afflecks. Aren't they all adorable?

With the crazy seemingly knocked out of him, a reformed Joaquin Phoenix returned to the scene of his earlier crime. During the filming of his mockumentaryI'm Still Here, Phoenix made a memorable yet catastrophic appearance on David Letterman's Late Show. Leaving viewers questioning his sanity, Phoenix continued his retreat from the public eye. Now that the truth has been revealed and we know Phoenix's odd behavior was all for show, he's back on the Late Show hoping to make his triumphant return. With his dashing good looks in place, Phoenix has no issue winning my support.

With prime time viewership up tenfold thanks to premiere week, fans have lots of content to choose from. Be it Gossip Girl's drama on the Upper East Side, wannabe dancers on Dancing with the Stars or the dysfunctional favorite Modern Family, there's a show for everyone this season.

One of the most anticipated television returns was the feel-good musical comedy Glee. The McKinley High glee club did not disappoint during their triumphant premiere on Tuesday, with the music from the show already topping the iTunes chart. With new faces, new voices and new numbers, what's not to love about Glee?

Sep 20, 2010

With her flowing blonde locks and statuesque frame, it's no wonder Blake Lively the current IT girl. Best known as Upper East Side princess Serena Van Der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, Blake's on and off-screen style is catching the eye of fashion's most notable. Case in point: the actress spent fashion week on the arm of famed Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Yes, she, of Devil Wears Prada fame, handpicked Blake as her new right-hand-fashion-gal. With a costume designer like Eric Daman on hand to tend to her every need, Blake has no reason not to look like the Upper East Side princess she is every day. Remember ladies - jealousy is not very becoming.

They may share a famous last name, but Hollywood's Jolie-Pitt ladies all exude their own sense of style. Making their way out of Los Angeles International Airport, Zahara Marley and Shiloh Nouvel played into their tabloid personas. Girly Z donned gray leggings, a yellow floral shirt, matching sweater and darling mary janes, while tomboy Shiloh rocked khakis, a velour sweatshirt and combat boots. They couldn't look more different, but I love their contrasting styles.

With the infamous Sienna-gate behind them, Bathlazar and Rosetta Getty are back to playing house. In the new Harper's Bazaar spread, A Fashionable Life, the couple open up about their privileged family, the darling kids and that damned affair.

Addressing his indiscretions, Balthazar admits "it was a very challenging time for everybody involved." While his hands-on love affair with Sienna was plastered on tabloids and blogs everywhere, the 35-year-old actor says he returned to his marriage because he "loved and missed my family too much not to make it work." While the controversy cost him his job on Brothers & Sisters, it made his marriage to Rosetta stronger, as he feels "like we're better than we've ever been."

Photo Credit: Todd Cole

For her part, Rosetta is "open to talking about it because I believe we go through things in a public way to help other people get through it... I'm going to have to explain this to my daughters one day. I chose not to act from ego because I just felt like it would be too crushing for my children."

While Balthazar and Rosetta's rekindled romance seems to be heating up, their photoshoot is eerily reminicant of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's coming out spread in W Magazine. The kids, the fashion and the glamour - it's all there. Don't you see it?

Sep 19, 2010

While it's no secret that Brad Pitt is idolized by Hollywood revelers near and far, Sam Worthington took his adoration to a whole new level. Seen at the Toronto International Film Festival gala premiere of his new film, The Debt, Sam was channeling his inner Mr. Pitt circa 2009/2010. With his sharp suit, messy locks and grizzly beard, I almost had to do a double take to ensure Brad wasn't standing beside me! The resemblance is uncanny, no?

Any twenty-something girl can attest to the appeal of chick-flick's leading men.The allure of watching the ultimate bad boy turn into the perfect boyfriend is a fantasy that will never fade. It's always that one role, the pivotal performance in a chick-flick, that will determine the actor's staying power among a certain demographic. Take Freddie Prinze Jr in She's All That or Heath Ledger in Ten Things I Hate About You. Both men went on to have successful careers in film and television, but I'll always remember them as Zack Siler and Patrick Verona.

Likewise with former teen idol Shane West. Spotted at the Toronto International Film Festival's gala premiere of The Town, Shane was huddled with a group of his friends in the main lobby. Clearly not in the VIP scene, Shane was gracious enough to speak to some fans, and take pictures with the ladies. While most people remember Shane as Dr. Ray Barnett in ER or as Michael in the new show Nikita, I'll always remember him as Landon Carter from A Walk to Remember. You remember - the reformed bad boy who gave up the parties for a dying Mandy Moore? Pure heaven, or as I like to call him, the ultimate chick flick star.

I'm not going to lie, seeing Ben Affleck and Jon Hamm was much more exciting than my run in with Shane West. However, the surprise appearance may or may not have had me YouTube-ing scenes from A Walk To Remember all night. Wouldn't you have done the same?

Sep 18, 2010

Never far from the drama, consummate bad girl Lindsay Lohan could be facing more jail time. The troubled actress, who recently completed a court ordered jail and rehab stint, failed a random drug test. While her time behind bars may not have fixed her addiction problems, it has caused her to finally admit to her demons.

The 24-year-old previously denied she had a substance abuse problem. Blaming everyone but herself for her failures, Lindsay was seemingly in denial. Now, she is finally owning up to her issues via Twitter.

"Regrettably, I did in fact fail my most recent drug test and if I am asked, I am prepared to appear before judge Fox next week as a result. This was certainly a setback for me but I am taking responsibility for my actions and I'm prepared to face the consequences," Lindsay tweeted. "Substance abuse is a disease, which unfortunately doesn't go away over night. I am working hard to overcome it and taking positive steps forward every single day and doing what I must do to prevent any mishaps in the future."

While admitting she has a problem is obviously an important step of the recovery process, what does Lindsay expect to happen with her recent proclamation? Studios are already weary about hiring her and no one can take her seriously anymore. For her inevitable next rehab visit, the doctors and her family should ensure that Lindsay is not released until her issues are under control.

Sep 16, 2010

Fans were shocked by Joaquin Phoenix's bizarre demeanor, scruffy look and awkward appearances, but now the world knows it was all a hoax. The actor's behavior last year was chronicled in the supposed documentary I'm Still Here. Hailed as a look into the life of one of Hollywood's leading men, the film was directed by Phoenix's brother-in-law, Casey Affleck.

Now, after months of unexplained strange behavior and the recent TIFF scandal, it's been revealed that I'm Still Here was all for show. "It's the performance of his career," Affleck told the New York Times. "I never intended to trick anybody. The idea of a 'hoax' never entered my mind."

If the idea of a hoax never entered his mind, then why create buzz around a fake film? Both men are famous in their own right and don't need a mockumentary to create buzz for their careers. What do you think their motivation was?

Sep 15, 2010

With the influx of celebrities in town for the Toronto International Film Festival, companies are working hard to ensure that their products get seen by the right people. Gifting suites have been erected in Toronto's swankiest hotels and only the notable are receiving invites. While many of these suites tend to carry the same type of swag, Tastemakers Lounge is setting themselves apart by gifting celebrities and select media (me!) with unique Canadian goodies.

Photo Credit: Central Image Agency Inc.

The sixth annual Tastemakers Lounge invited talent and VIPs to experience their Fresh Goods in Yorkville's Intercontinental Hotel. With three interactive stations and lots of unique products to sample, Tastemakers is an A-Listers dream.

Photo Credit: Alanna Glicksman

The modern white decor let the products shine, and I eagerly loaded my eco-friendly Me + Youbag with these new must-have Canadian products.
- The fold-up ballerina-style flats squeezing their way into every girl's purse, Damn Heels
- Nanoblur, making you look 10 years younger in 40 seconds
- Chic woven handbags from Canadian designer du jour, Jessica Jensen
- The latest beauty trends from affordable fashion retailer Joe Fresh
- Loves Legions, the stylish dog tags merging the military style with blinging Swarovski crystals

Photo Credit: Central Image Agency Inc.

I wasn't the only one to scoop up the latest and greatest Canadian gear. On hand for Tastemakers' TIFF festivities were: A Night for Dying Tigers' Kathleen Robertson (above) who scooped up a Jessica Jensen woven purse; True Blood's Ryan Kwanten (above) who snagged GUATS' bamboo t-shirt; Good Neighbors' Emily Hampshire scooped up the HD-necessity, nanoblur; Twilight star Jackson Rathbone picked up a few Loves Legions dog tag necklaces; teen queen Abigail Breslin picked up the post-party must-have, Damn Heels; and Terrence Howard scooped up Loves Legions necklaces for himself and a Jessica Jensen clutch for his wife.

Photo Credit: Central Image Agency Inc.

Aside from the made in Canadian element, what really set Tastemakers Lounge a step above the rest was its unique charity initiative. In support of SickKids Foundation, Tastemakers partnered with high-end online auction company Vonality to auction off Mattel games autographed by talent. From Tuesday, September 21 to Friday, October 1, don't forget to bid on your favorite star's autographed game at www.vonality.com/mattel.

Hollywood North is the name I lovingly apply to Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival. With A List celebrities flocking to our backyards, it gives the city a chance to shine. This year was one of TIFF's biggest celebrations. In addition to celebrating its 35th anniversary, the list of celebrities attending the festival events grew substantially. Gala tickets were sold out almost instantaneously, and I was one of the lucky few to secure the special passes.

Photo Credit: George Pimentel

This year's hot ticket was The Town. Director and lead actor Ben Affleck was joined by a stellar cast including Jon Hamm, Blake Lively, Chris Cooper, Rebecca Hall and Jeremy Renner. The stars all made it to Toronto to schmooze in Yorkville and walk the September 11 red carpet.

Photo Credit: George Pimentel

Spotted at the gala premiere was the cast of The Town, their significant others and best buddies. Ben Affleck gave wife Jennifer Garner the sweetest thank you, Jon Hamm couldn't keep his lips of longtime girlfriend Jennifer Westfeldt after returning to his seat, Jeremy Renner sat solo and Blake Lively sat front row mezzanine with her friends. Also in the crowd: Ben's bestie Matt Damon and former Gilmore Girl Alexis Bledel.

Photo Credit: George Pimentel

Residing in Yorkville's swanky Hazelton Hotel, the cast enjoyed all neighborhood has to offer. Ben pumped some iron earlier in the day while wife Jen shopped for shoes at Holt Renfrew. Throw in a few Starbucks runs and not-so-incognito strolls down Yorkville Ave. and Ben and Jen's Toronto stay was complete. Friday night dinner was a cast affair at Italian favorite Sotto Sotto. Oh, and prior to the gala, The Town gang enjoyed dinner at the hotel's exclusive (and delicious) eatery, ONE.

Photo Credit: George Pimentel

Oh, and the movie - perfection. The strong script and superb acting made this film one of the highest rated among festival goers. While many attended the screening to catch a glimpse at their favorite stars, everyone left completely enamored with the film and its cast. The dramatic thriller focused on a group of notorious bank robbers and their plights with friendship and betrayal and love and hope while trying to escape their past. The film will be released in theaters September 17 - buy your tickets now!

Sep 13, 2010

As my nearest and dearest know, I'm not an ageist. My love for actors spans generations, and this weekend I had an encounter with one of my "must-meets."

It was Saturday evening and my main man and I were taking a drive down Avenue Road. Upon passing one of the ultimate TIFF hotspots, the Park Hyatt Hotel, I noticed a gaggle of girls surround a white Cadillac Escalade. Lucky for me, the car pulled up beside me and continued along my downtown path. Sneaking a peek into the window, I came face to face to Martin Sheen.

Photo Credit: Alanna Glicksman

Yes, he, of West Wing, Charlie and Emilio fame, was seated in the car next to me. Eager to interact with one of my favorite Hollywood staples, I gave the star a friendly wave and smile. To my surprise, Martin waved back with the smile that made him millions. So continued our journey down Avenue Road, even stopping for Marti to pose for a picture through the window (look closely - you'll see a smile and a waving hand!). Our game of who-waves-best may have ended, but my smile lasted all night long.

With no topic off limits, Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling talk messy sex, bad body art and the long road to their film Blue Valentine in the new issue of W Magazine. The stars exude old Hollywood glamor in their too-perfect photoshoot. Their candid honesty, maturity and looks of lust almost make me forget about their early acting days on Dawson's Creekand Breaker High, respectively.

While I admire both Michelle and Ryan as actors, I have a newfound respect for their portraiture. The passion exuded in their photos makes me eager to get a framed copy to hang in my room. Their intensity overrides their Hollywood status, turning them into models rather than actors. Does anyone know where I can get a copy?

Sep 12, 2010

I wasn't even sure who Ben Affleck was, but when my mom nearly pulled my arm out of its socket when he walked right in front of us at the Four Seasons Hotel, I found out pretty quickly! That was my first Film Fest experience - wow! But the picture we got was of the back of his head. Not good enough! To get a better picture we made our way to Roy Thomson Hall for the premiere of The Town starring yes, Ben Affleck.

It was amazing...except if you were short! I had only one option, get up on my dad's shoulders to take pictures!(His poor back!) People were saying "OMG you're so cute!" But I was too busy taking pix of Rachel McAdams (missed her) and Jennifer Garner (got her!). Suddenly, Ben Affleck got out of a car. The crowd went crazy and my mom got the perfect pic! By that time, I was so tired...I was done! Who knew being a Jr paparazzi could be so exhausting!

While the elusive Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have been branded the ultimate celebrity couple, this weekend's loving proclamation gave Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner the top prize in my blog. The down-to-earth parents of Violet and Seraphina have been adamant about not walking red carpets together. While their chemistry is visible in paparazzi shots, their privacy has been noted by Hollywood followers. Preferring not to let the media in on their private life, Ben and Jen rarely speak their relationship in public.

All that changed on Saturday night. Yours truly was not only lucky enough to score a ticket to the TIFF gala premiere of The Town, but I was also privy to Ben's sweet-as-sugar thank you to Jen. "I would like to thank the person who made this at all possible for me to be here, who makes all things possible in my life. There would be no movie without this person, and there would be no me without this person. My wife is here, I love you."

The harrowing tale of online horror continues to resonate with me two days later. As director David Schwimmer (yes, of Friends fame) said at the gala screening, Trust examines the "psyche of a family affected by rape." The story follows the Williams family's plight as their comfortable suburban life is suddenly disrupted by their 14-year-old daughter Annie's rape. Starring Clive Owen and Catherine Keener as the ruptured parents and newcomer Liana Liberato as the abused teen, this film has award season written all over it.

Photo Credit: Sonia Recchia/Getty Images North America

Deviating from his usual dashing performances, Clive Owen's pain was palpable as his life spirals out of control. Drawing motivation from his own life with two daughters, Clive said that he's "got concerns like every parent" as his daughters enter the Facebook age. His love for his family and his yearning to keep them safe resulted in a performance I will never forget.

Photo Credit: Sonia Recchia/Getty Images North America

In a much smaller yet equally as powerful role, Catherine Keener did not disappoint. Nailing the role as mother, the protector, Keener's performance was one of the best of her career.

Photo Credit: Sonia Recchia/Getty Images North America

It was Liana Liberato's performance as a tormented sexual abuse victim that really stole the show. The 15-year-old's emotional portrayal of a teenager so smitten with her online boyfriend that she refuses to come to terms with her rape is one viewers will never forget. The disturbing event and the painful aftermath will plague parents for years to come.

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